The Grand Harbour Hotel

I've stayed at this hotel a few times. It's clean, the beds are comfortable, and the hot water is good. The staff are great and really helpful 😀

Housekeeping was still cleaning when we entered the room. As soon as she saw us, Louise became angry and shouted at us for coming in while she was tidying. We complained to reception, cancelled our stay, and went home. I felt she was clearly racist, as she went crazy when she saw our skin colour. The room wasn't to my liking either, and there was a damp smell as soon as you entered the hotel. It felt like staying in a block of flats. I'd give it -0/10. Get rid of that crazy, mad housekeeper Louise.

My mum, my child and I stayed for one night in separate rooms, 101 and 104. Around 11 or 12, doors started banging as drunk people came back. From room 104, I could hear a domestic in the next room, 103, with doors slamming over and over as they argued and went back and forth through the hotel. My mum was up the hall and was upset too. I called the hotel four times and it just rang, and emailed twice. The argument moved outside, where they were shouting in the street. One person left the other outside, and the man who'd been left there repeatedly kicked the main building's front door, yelling, “Kerry Anne! You’re going to have me arrested!” He kept banging and shouting other things while kicking the door. My mum messaged that she'd called the police. We were both shaken. I wanted to leave, but it was 1 am and I didn't want to walk through all that with my child. The police came and calmed things down. I didn't feel safe or comfortable sleeping there, so I put a chair between the door and radiator, expecting them to come and kick it after my mum called the police. We didn't get to sleep until after 3 am. Thankfully things quieted down after the police left. If my mum hadn't called them, who knows how long it would have gone on. My mum and I are past the youth hostel stage. The hotel said the next day that a phone fault explained why we couldn't get through, and offered us 50% off another stay. We wouldn't return, and a refund would have been more appropriate. People may not handle alcohol well and behave stupidly, but managing that shouldn't be left to guests. I'm still upset because my child was with me. I hope the hotel learns from this and takes better care of its guests. We also found a blood stain at the head end on the right side of the mattress in room 104, with no mattress protector. I only saw the top of the mattress when I pulled the sheet over the pillows because they didn't smell good.

The Sunday carvery was the standout for me. It was only £12.95, packed with flavour, and the vegetables were cooked just right. The cauliflower cheese had a lovely strong cheese taste, and the red cabbage with the sauce brought even more to the plate. Best of all were the parsnips, crisp outside and soft inside. We stayed three nights on a superb Groupon deal. The rooms were spotless and comfortable, with good views over Ilfracombe, and the staff were welcoming. Breakfast overlooking the harbour was a treat too.